Wooden Club

[DhaDha]

Hello. I’ve had this club for a few years now and it remains a bit of a mystery. I bought it as African and still think it is. But I’ve amassed a bit of a collection over the years and it doesn’t seem directly related to any others.
It is a bit longer than any of the larger, more functional samples. And the wood seems unique in my collection. Although I imagine wood can age differently and/or be treated in a variety of ways for hardening, etc.
I’ve always thought that there were signs that the shaft was once decorated with small, “bands” of some kind. Looking at it the other day in good light, I now wonder if the shaft was mostly covered with decor with small bands left as original wood. The small holes in the shaft are old and shallow. Leaving me to wonder if past decor was “tacked” in place. I also wonder if there are traces of paint. But doubtful. The band closest to the rootball is the thinnest, and seems to remnants of paint or glue in a woven shape.
Any thoughts or insights would be appreciated. Cheers

[Tim Simmons]

Not the most distinct club one has to say. I would favour Africa too. Perhaps a slight nod to those off set knobkerrie types of Southern Africa? The wood and polish reminds me of one I had.

[DhaDha]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Not the most distinct club one has to say. I would favour Africa too. Perhaps a slight nod to those off set knobkerrie types of Southern Africa? The wood and polish reminds me of one I had.

Thanks Tim! I was hoping you'd notice this thread.

[kronckew]

So. African Iklwa and Iwsa were frequently wrapped decoratively with brass and iron wire. They still are, usually with patterns of coloured telephone wire. Iwisa (knobkerry) heads come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
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My Iklwa with brass/iron wire wrap. some bands of paler wood show, like yours above, where similar bands once were.

[DhaDha]

Originally Posted by kronckew

So. African Iklwa and Iwsa were frequently wrapped decoratively with brass and iron wire. They still are, usually with patterns of coloured telephone wire. Iwisa (knobkerry) heads come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
-
My Iklwa with brass/iron wire wrap. some bands of paler wood show, like yours above, where similar bands once were.

Great Iklwa! I'm certainly aligned with your post. I was perhaps over thinking/drinking and wondering if there was a bit of paint pigment. But more likely patina and maybe some interaction with adhesive.

[kronckew]

More info on wire wrapping of Zulu weaponry:


https://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15402


Note the section there on 'tribute' weapons.


Conquered tribes were the main suppliers of Zulu weapons, makes it harder to pin down exactly where they were made. It also accounts for variations in wood used, variations of head shapes. Note the flat area on the lower part of the head, below. it's actually dished slightly. I gather that to prevent cracking they would stand the iwisa in a corner, dished area up, and put a dollop of fat in it which would slowly melt into the wood. I've seen a few that did crack, probably since the weapon was acquired by a European who did not carry out the process. (Hint - rub yours with a good furniture oil on occasion)


Another one of mine - a favourite - illustrating the offset head mentioned above, sadly no wire work:

[DhaDha]

Great club! The variety of these is definitely part of the appeal to me. Here's a pic I took earlier for myself. I was trying to compare some different wood types and colours. Two with dished/flat sides.